Duggar Family Might Be Loosening up Their Courtship Rules; Fans Spot the Changes

Some parents can be very stringent when it comes to the upbringing of their children, with rules and regulations for every aspect of their lives such as, let's say, dating. But when you realize we're talking about a family whose parents are devout Baptists and have 19 children, things start to make more sense. Perhaps, you already know who we are referring to: The Duggar Family!

However, it seems that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar already took a chill pill as they are apparently tweaking their courtship rules. But what regulations are we talking about? And why have they changed? To find the answers to these questions plus many other fantastic details, all you have to do is to scroll down. Let's get the ball rolling!

A Bit of Background Info

If you have been watching TLC's show "Counting On" for a while, you're likely familiar with the term "courting." But for those who don't, it could be a relatively new word. The thing is that the Duggar family does not practice the traditional dating we know today.

Conversely, their approach to relationships goes in line with their conservative values and fundamental Christian faith. The Duggars participate in a process called chaperoned courtship, which is similar to dating but with the idea of marriage in mind. As Josh Duggar told People, "courtship is a path toward marriage."

But you may want to take a seat because this practice comes with myriad rules attached to it. Jill Duggar explained in 2014 on "19 Kids & Counting" that "the main difference between courting and dating is setting boundaries for yourself so that you don't cross over those."

So what are those limits about? Here's the rundown! First, the potential suitor needs to approach Jim Bob if he's pursuing one of his daughter's heart to express his interest in the girl. Then, they can start the courtship period in which mates can spend time together but with at least one chaperone to supervise; never alone.

Moreover, Michelle explained to the source that emotions get heated the closer you get, like when two magnets are pulled together. Therefore, mates cannot hold hands, kiss, and can only do side hugs. Can you imagine this exists in our modern times? Having a third wheel in each of your dates? OMG!

But They Are Humans

And what is even more shocking is that although the couples get engaged, they cannot kiss. They can hold hands at that stage, though, but any other physical contact is reserved for their wedding day (yes, that definitely includes sex). Even so, the Duggar family has acknowledged that their rules aren't correctly followed all the time.

After all, we cannot forget they're only humans that don't always abide by the regulations entirely. For instance, Joy-Anna Duggar and her then-fiancé were caught on camera having a frontal hug instead of a side one, by Romper's report. Jill Duggar had a similar experience with her now-husband Derick Dillard when they saw each other at the airport after being apart for two months.

Unwinding

As per CheatSheet, it appears that the Duggar patriarch is taking it easy with their ultra-strict approach to relationships. Jana Duggar admitted to having had some relationships in the past. And this added up to Joy-Anna and Jill's cases could mean the beginning of the end for the bevy of rules imposed on couples.

But Why?

This way, it doesn't sound very crazy that fans have noticed a more relaxed attitude from the parents of these 19 children. But what is the reason behind this tweak? According to CheatSheet, it could be because they simply don't work, or at least that is what forum users at Previously.tv think.

After all, the purpose of courtship is to find "the one" whom you can spend the rest of your life with (and we're literal! Did we forget to mention that divorce is not allowed?). But the truth is that the Duggar family and some other households in their conservative Christian group have had failed marriages.

Take the case of Josiah Duggar. She is now married to Lauren Swanson, but before tying the knot with her, he entered into a courtship with Marjorie Jackson back in 2015 that did not work out. That's why the lovebirds decided to call it quits a couple of months later.

We have another good example with the Bates, a family that is very close to the Duggars. They also experienced love failure when Nathan Bates ended a courtship he had with his York City-based friend after realizing their wishes did not align. Zach Bates also broke up with a girl before meeting his current wife.

What Needs to Change

As we previously said, Joy-Anna and Jill engaged in full-frontal hugs with their soulmates before walking down the aisle. The same thing is true for the eldest brothers, Josiah and Josh, even though they were completely off the table as any other physical show of affection.

The poor Josh, as Michelle and Jim Bob's firstborn, was the first one to experience the affection rules first-hand. When he was courting Anna, they could not spend a second together by themselves, and they had a strict halt on affectionate touching like hugs or anything that could fall into the same category.

Sadly, we already know things did not work out between them. So, perhaps, hugs and some other physical contact should be allowed. Moreover, Jessa and Ben Seewald had to abide by similar rules when they were in their courtship. You would not believe this, but they shared their first kiss when they became husband and wife.

However, Jessa later confessed that they did have some private conversations before tying the knot, and it seems that it did not do any harm to them. In fact, the lovebirds seem to be happily enamored and with three children so far. It is very likely that these Baptist couples do need some time alone.

The Subtle Tweaks

It could be because adult Duggars are already married by now. But it appears to us that the newest generation of youngsters who are ready to enter into courtship is having a better time with the romance practice. It might be hard to believe, but not all the Duggar kids have chaperones with them anymore.

John and Abbie were seen alone on many occasions when they were out and about. According to TV Showcase, the lovebirds were also more affectionate to each other than the previous couples. They hugged and held hands before tying the knot, although they saved their first kiss for their big day.

The way they did it might set a precedent for those who are coming behind them. Children like Jedidiah, Jason, Jackson, or Jeremiah might be able to experience a bit more of freedom than their elder siblings. And with evidence here, that license could do more good than harm, right?

What are your thoughts on the way the Duggar family works in the matters of the heart? What would you change in the way couples meet, get to know each other, and marry? Share your thoughts on the comment section and stay tuned for more articles about our favorite TV shows!